Brazilian Serie A wrap: Ronaldinho fires, Cruzeiro break through

Ronaldinho made the scoresheet for Flamengo as they beat Atletico Mineiro 4-1 in the Brazilian Serie Aon Saturday, while Cruzeiro also won.

Flamengo headed into the match at the Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange on the back of four consecutive draws and were hopeful of notching a victory that would send them third.

That win again looked elusive when Atletico’s former Olympiakos midfielder Dudu Cearense scored the opener after 51 minutes.

Flamengo needed a spark and it came from former AC Milan and Barcelona star Ronaldinho, who hit the back of the net with 24 minutes remaining.

Ronaldinho’s goal energised Flamengo and Thiago Neves put them in front after 76 minutes.

Veteran Deivid de Souza added two late goals after coming on as a substitute to complete the scoreline.

In the day’s other games, Cruzeiro got their first win of the season as the traditionally heavyweights beat Coritiba 2-1, thanks to a Walter Montillo double.

Bahia were also on the winners list as Atletico Paranaense remained in the relegation zone, with goals to Marcone and Lulinha giving the visitors all three points in a 2-0 win.